THE CURRAGH, WHERE CHAMPIONS ARE MADE
Results
ZAKOUMA (14) is a progressive mare who has been dominant in two wins this time in, coming from well back in the run to score by 2.5 lengths on each occasion. She swept on by PANTILE WARRIOR (15) last start at Sandown Hillside and 2000m at Flemington looks ideal. She'll get back from the wide draw again but has always promised plenty and might just be too good again. PANTILE WARRIOR was much better second up and can improve again here. He'll give a sight up in trip having shown Group level staying form in the UK prior to coming here. AMBASSADORIAL (5) is in flying form having won his past two, beating FOUJITA SAN (3) when they clashed. Foujita San has since tried hard when edged out at Caulfield but can strip fitter. JARETH (12) has been good in two runs this time in and can go again up in trip.
Visit TAB.COM.AUZAKOUMA (14) is a progressive mare who has been dominant in two wins this time in, coming from well back in the run to score by 2.5 lengths on each occasion. She swept on by PANTILE WARRIOR (15) last start at Sandown Hillside and 2000m at Flemington looks ideal. She'll get back from the wide draw again but has always promised plenty and might just be too good again. PANTILE WARRIOR was much better second up and can improve again here. He'll give a sight up in trip having shown Group level staying form in the UK prior to coming here. AMBASSADORIAL (5) is in flying form having won his past two, beating FOUJITA SAN (3) when they clashed. Foujita San has since tried hard when edged out at Caulfield but can strip fitter. JARETH (12) has been good in two runs this time in and can go again up in trip.
Second run back. First-up after 16 months 4th of 8 at this track Bm84 on February 28 over 1600m, 5 len behind Astral Flame carrying 60kg at $31. Previously second-up made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 13 at Cranbourne Bm84 on November 23 2024 over 2025m, 1.75 len behind Savoir Faire with 60kg at $41. Solid return but see one more.
Comes off a 31 day let-up. At the latest run 7th of 15 at Launceston in the G3 Laun Cup on February 25 over 2400m, 3 len behind Asva carrying 54kg at $3.60. The run before that held ground to the line 2nd of 13 at Hobart in the G3 Hobart Cup on February 8 over 2400m, slow going nose behind Blonde Star carrying 54.5kg at $3.20. Back in trip off a break is a query.
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up 2nd of 11 at this track Bm84 on February 28 over 2000m, long-neck behind Ambassadorial with 57.5kg at $31. Last start raced on speed throughout when 3rd of 7 at Caulfield Bm84 on March 14 over 2000m, neck behind Stylish Secret with 57.5kg at $3.10. Had his chance last time but is in the mix again third up.
Third-up today and placed third-up previously. Resuming 6th of 8 at this track Bm84 on February 28 over 1600m, 6 len behind Astral Flame with 58.5kg at $151. Last start came home strongly from last on the turn; 4th of 7 at Caulfield Bm84 on March 14 over 2000m, 3 len behind Stylish Secret carrying 56.5kg at $31. Facing another stiff test today.
Racing well recently. Most recently favourite; won by a long-neck at this track Bm84 February 28 over 2000m defeating Foujita San carrying 55.5kg at $3.40. The start before that favourite; won by 1.75 len at Caulfield Bm70 February 7 over 2000m defeating Bluestone with 60kg at $1.70. Flying and will give a bold sight again.
Last start 5th of 11 at Morphettville in the LR C S Hayes on March 9 over 1600m, 3 len behind Arran Bay carrying 54kg at $41. The start before that got back early 7th of 10 at Morphettville in the LR Premiers Plate on February 7 over 2006m, 5 len behind Komachi with 57.5kg at $4.20. Rough chance.
Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. First-up 9th of 14 at this track Bm78 on February 14 over 2000m, 5 len behind Tarvue with 61.5kg at $26. Second-up 4th of 8 at Stony Creek S Ck Cup on March 8 over 2100m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Station One carrying 59kg at $3.30. Prefer in easier.
Most recently 3rd of 8 at Yarra Valley Y Vly Cup on March 15 over 1950m, 1.2 len behind Wymark with 54.5kg at $4.40. The start before that 7th of 11 at this track Bm84 on February 28 over 2000m, 5 len behind Ambassadorial carrying 57.5kg at $15. Will need further improvement to trouble these.
Back from a spell. Finished off last preparation post a big 9 len win. Ballarat Mdn Hdle-Sw August 17 over 3250m on heavy track defeating Oz Legend with 69.5kg at $2.20. Previously first up; eighth of 13 at this track Bm84 March 1 2025 over 1600m, 5 len behind Verdad with 58kg at $61. Will need this one.
Back from a spell. Finished off last preparation second last of 11 at this track Qlty July 19 over 2800m, soft track; 14 len behind Mormona carrying 54kg at $31. When resuming last campaign seventh of 9 at Canterbury Bm78 February 14 2025 over 1900m, soft track; 3.5 len behind O'ziggy carrying 60kg at $81. Might be better off following this run.
Second-up. First-up after six months ran last of 11 at Sandown-Hillside Bm70 Hcp on March 11 over 1800m, 11 len behind Zakouma carrying 58.5kg at $101. Previously second-up 2nd of 11 at Warwick Farm Bm78 on April 2 over 2200m, slow going 1.5 len behind Casual Connection carrying 54kg at $21. Can't see him turning things around.
Third-up today. Resuming 3rd of 7 at Cranbourne Bm70 on February 13 over 1600m, 1.5 len behind Astral Flame carrying 56.5kg at $3.20. Second-up won by a head at Pakenham Bm70 March 6 over 1600m defeating Factcheck carrying 58.5kg at $6.50. Well placed. Racing well and drops sharply in weight, consider.
Recent form sound. Last start made some head-way from midfield; 3rd of 11 at Cranbourne Bm70 on March 13 over 2025m, 0.9 len behind Bergasun carrying 59kg at $8.50. The start before that 4th of 11 at Wangaratta Hcp on February 28 over 2000m, 3.5 len behind New York Hurricane with 54kg at $3.90. Not far away last start. Tougher here, minor hope.
Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up favourite; came home strongly from last on the turn and won by 2.5 len at Caulfield Heath Cl1 February 18 over 1600m defeating Russian Duchess carrying 59kg at $3.20. Second run from a spell favourite; won by 2.5 len at Sandown-Hillside Bm70 Hcp March 11 over 1800m defeating Pantile Warrior carrying 58.5kg at $2.40. Big win last time and will be mighty hard to hold out again.
Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. First-up faded in the straight ran last of 8 at Caulfield Bm84 on February 7 over 1600m, 3.5 len behind Sneaky Sunrise carrying 54kg at $6.50. Second run from a spell sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 11 at Sandown-Hillside Bm70 Hcp on March 11 over 1800m, 2.5 len behind Zakouma with 60.5kg at $6.50. Fitter again and the rise in trip suits, can turn the tables.
Last start 4th of 11 at this track Bm84 on February 28 over 2000m, 2.25 len behind Ambassadorial carrying 52kg at $11. Before that ran last in a small field at Sandown-Hillside Bm70 on January 28 over 2400m, 4 len behind Amizetta with 61kg at $2.30. Rough chance.